MEMORIES

Business Response

After the tornado, merchants and businesses adapted to meet the needs of those who had lost their homes and livelihoods during the storm.

• Zale Jewelry Co. said individuals could open an account at the store with no money down and a full year to pay their bills.

• Many insurance companies extended hours so they could file emergency claims for their clients.

• Noller Ford said it was giving first priority for its service and sales facilities and extending special credit privileges for repairs and car purchases to its customers with storm damage.

• The management and employees of Whelan’s Inc. warned Topekans of the possibility of scams during the cleanup period. Although Whelan’s was heavily damaged, the company assured customers emergency supplies were en route to Topeka and its employees would work “any number of days or any number of hours” to serve storm victims. They also pledged not to inflate prices or capitalize “on the disaster at hand,” adding “it must be understood, however, that everything cannot be done at once.”

• Jenkins Music Company said it would replace pianos and other musical instruments, stereos and televisions damaged or destroyed in the storm on “special liberal terms and no down payment.”